Former Super League Dream Team half-back Blake Austin believes that released Huddersfield Giants playmaker and Tongan international Tui Lolohea could land an NRL return in 2027.

Lolohea is currently without a contract, having been released by the Giants at the end of the 2026 season. However, it is rumoured that the club remain in discussions with him over a new contract.

It’s fair to say that the 31-year-old hasn’t lit up Super League over the past few years, but put him in a Tonga jersey and he becomes a brand new player.

Being a key figure for the Mate Ma’a during a World Cup campaign that ended after a 34-10 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday, Austin – who was a guest host on SEN Radio – believes he has shown enough signs to make it in the NRL once again.

“I think he’s been brilliant for a long time now for Tonga, and he’s had another great World Cup,” the former Leeds and Warrington man said.

Lolohea has been in the UK since 2019, having initially joined Leeds before moving to Salford and then Huddersfield. He has played 26 times for Tonga, and once for New Zealand back in 2015 against England.

Austin believes one problem that has hampered the half-back over the years is fitness and managing his body weight. Having gone through similar problems, Austin believes Lolohea would beneift under a stricter regime down under where he can maintain a better physique that would help him thrive.

“England’s not a great place for Tui because he’s a bit like myself, he struggled with his weight,” he explained. “If you’re going to struggle with your weight, it’s in England.

“I reckon he’s just in a place of gratitude that he’s getting to play some high-quality footy, and I can see him back making an impact in the NRL next year.”

Austin thinks that the former Huddersfield man can replicate what former Warrington full-back Matt Dufty did. After an underwhelming stint in Super League, the Australian is now thriving at South Sydney Rabbitohs, with the club looking to move around their salary cap in order to guarantee him a spot on the roster.

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